Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo Appoints Gabriel Garcia Luna as New Attorney General

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has appointed former judge and university professor Gabriel Estuardo Garcia Luna as the country’s new attorney general, marking a significant political shift in Guatemala’s justice system. Arevalo announced the decision during a national address on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for an independent and impartial legal system.

The appointment follows weeks of legal and political controversy surrounding the attorney general selection process. In April, Guatemala’s Constitutional Court suspended the original process and ordered a review of the finalists after current Attorney General Consuelo Porras was excluded from the shortlist. A revised list of candidates was later approved by a committee of jurists and presented to Arevalo, clearing the way for the president to choose Garcia Luna for the role.

Consuelo Porras has long been considered one of President Arevalo’s strongest political opponents. She has faced sanctions from the United States, Canada, the European Union, and other international actors over allegations of corruption, persecution of human rights defenders, and attempts to undermine Arevalo’s 2023 presidential election victory. Porras has consistently denied all accusations against her.

During his speech, Arevalo called for a new era of justice in Guatemala, saying the legal system should no longer be used for political retaliation or personal revenge. He described Garcia Luna’s appointment as the beginning of a “new chapter” for the nation and expressed confidence in his ability to lead with integrity and fairness.

Garcia Luna currently works as a criminal adviser within the prosecutor’s office and is expected to officially assume the position on May 17. Arevalo stressed that the attorney general’s responsibility is to serve the Guatemalan people and uphold justice independently, rather than protect political interests or the administration in power.